Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe
This Pistachio Custard Pie features a buttery, nutty crust and a rich, creamy pistachio-flavored custard filling. With a smooth texture and a subtle almond essence, it’s a delightful dessert perfect for special occasions or an elegant treat.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus 2-3 hours chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 8 Tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios
- 6–8 Tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 1 cup lightly salted roasted pistachios
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For Serving
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl or food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Add the cold, cubed salted butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a fork until pea-sized chunks remain. If using a food processor, pulse for about 30 seconds.
- Add pistachios and water: Stir in the finely chopped pistachios. Gradually add ice water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together into a ball. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up prior to rolling out.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Process pistachios for filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the lightly salted roasted pistachios with half a cup of white sugar to prevent clumping, and grind until finely processed.
- Prepare the filling base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining half cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add flavorings and milk: Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, then whisk in the whole milk until fully combined.
- Combine pistachio mixture: Fold the finely ground pistachio-sugar blend into the cream cheese mixture, whisking until the filling is smooth.
- Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it to the dish and crimp the edges as desired.
- Fill and bake: Pour the pistachio custard filling into the prepared crust. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the outer 3 inches are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. The pie will finish cooking as it cools.
- Cool and chill: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. Refrigerate for an additional 2 to 3 hours until fully chilled and set.
- Serve: Serve the pie cold, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overwork the pie dough to keep it tender and flaky.
- The center of the pie may be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven; this is normal and it will set further as it cools.
- Using lightly salted pistachios balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor.
- For best results, chill the pie thoroughly before serving to allow the custard to set properly.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but adds a creamy contrast to the nutty custard.
Keywords: pistachio custard pie, nutty pie, custard pie, cream cheese pie, pistachio dessert, baked custard, pistachio recipe